Wanderlust: Expat Life & Style in Thailand Oct / Nov 2017: The Travel Issue | Page 37

Travel
Though the eatery has plen-
ty to offer in the way of craft beer,
the nearby Champagne and Gyoza
restaurant elevates your dumpling
experience to the next level. Pull up
a stool, choose your gyoza, drench
them in the four different dips, and
wash it all down with a menu of
at least 30 kinds of champagne —
enough choice to satisfy every
budget.
seems far removed from the hustle of
the nearby capital.
Getting there: For the fastest route,
take the Tobu Tojo line from Ikebukuro.
It takes 30 minutes on the express and
costs ¥450.
A PICNIC IN
YOYOGI PARK
Tokyo can be a tricky destination to
discover. Between the complicated
train system and boxy architecture,
you may find yourself tired, aching
and craving a break from city life.
Luckily, Tokyo has plenty of green
space to enjoy, including Yoyogi Park.
If weather permits, grab a blanket
and deli supplies from your nearest
supermarket and take to this popu-
lar spot. During the weekends, you’ll
likely discover the lush north side oc-
cupied by dog walkers, dance classes,
and food stalls, creating a lively atmo-
sphere and the perfect place to un-
wind after hours on your feet.
For a little culture with your lunch,
the Meiji Shrine is located adjacent to
Yoyogi Park. Together, the park and
shrine make up a dense forested area
amid the concrete jungle. Despite the
crowds, the famous shrine maintains
a calm and austere atmosphere, due
in part to the muted color scheme
and lack of flash. Prepare to be im-
pressed by the 40-foot Torii gate at
the entrance and a cleansing station
at which to purify before prayer.
Getting there: Take the JR Yamanote
line train to Harajuku station. At the
station exit, turn right and take the
short walk to the park entrance.
VIRTUAL INSANITY
AT VR PARK
Tokyo has long held its reputation
as a hyper-modern metropolis, years
ahead of many great capitals. While
other countries have made impres-
sive progress and have maybe even
caught up to or outpaced Tokyo, a
visit to the VR Park is a good example
of how Japan got its techie reputa-
tion in the first place.
Perched atop several floors of
smoky arcades, the virtual reality play-
ground holds around 15 immersive
games that prove virtual technol-
ogy is the future of entertainment:
Hop on board a flying carpet and soar
through the desert. Feel what it’s like
to do a bungee jump without ever
having to take the plunge, or play
shoot-em-ups against armed assail-
ants. Though most games are fami-
ly-friendly, be warned that some are
not suitable for children — thanks to
graphics so realistic you’ll really think
the ghosts at the haunted house at-
traction are coming for you.
Getting there: A 90-minute stint with
free drinks costs ¥3,300. Visit www.
adores.jp/vrpark to pre-book your
ticket. Reservations are recommended.
GO FOR GYOZA
You would have to go out of your
way to avoid gyoza in Japan. The
fried, steamed or boiled dumplings
stuffed with ground meat or vegeta-
bles are a menu staple here, despite
originating in China. Whether they’re
a snappy snack between meals or the
main part of your evening feast, it
pays to seek out the city’s best.
Gyoza365, situated in the slick
Akasaka district, puts the side dish at
the top of the menu, offering a sim-
ple selection of crisp yet delicate,
handmade fried gyoza. Specialities
include the beef and pepper dump-
lings (juicy parcels of meat flavored
with garlic and a punch of pepper),
and the spicy ‘Tin Tin’ recipe, which is
packed with Sichuan-style meat.
Getting there: Hop on the Tokyo
Metro Chiyoda Line to Akasaka station
and head to the district’s hip dining
centre from exit 1.
ON TREND AT
TAKESHITA STREET
Situated in the Harajuku district —
an area that has gained worldwide
attention for the quirky and futur-
istic clothing trends born there —
Takeshita Street is at the heart of
Japan’s famous fashion movement.
Bursting with color, the lurid lane
spills over with teens and tourists
most days; the trendy boutiques, sec-
ond-hand stores, and crepe stands
barely contain the crowds.
Meandering past the hot pink
shop fronts, you can expect to see
Japanese girls adorned in elaborate
costumes, such as cute anime-style
apparel or dark gothic garb, while the
boys tend to prefer steam-punk in-
spired duds. If you’re feeling left out,
pick up some trendy pieces at one of
the many independent fashion retail-
ers along the street, or head to a pho-
to booth store to dress up in your fa-
vorite outfit and take photos sporting
your new look.
Getting there: Take the Tokyo Metro
to Meiji-jingumae Station (also known
as Harajuku Station) and leave through
Exit 3. Turn left and you’ll find Takeshita
Street a short walk away.
Scramble
Crossing
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Takeshita Street